Basketball has quickly risen in popularity around the world over the last three decades. Before the 1990s, basketball was dominated by the United States. When the “Dream Team” took center stage at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the sport began ascending to new heights. People around the world got to finally see the best talent take the court.
Nowadays, the game is now dominated by international players like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic as well. However, each of these players still has some work to do if they want to be considered among the greatest players to ever touch a basketball.
The debate around who the greatest player in history is has become a heated conversation over the years. Names like Michael Jordan and LeBron James are often compared. Jordan fans will point to his domination in the regular season, playoffs, and perfect finals record. James fans will argue that his longevity and consistency are why he’s the greatest to ever do it. Both make compelling cases, but there’s one player who fans often forget when discussing the greatest and most dominant in history.
It seems like basketball fans take Wilt Chamberlain for granted. His career averages are absurd (in a good way) and seem straight out of a video game. People hold his inability to beat Bill Russell against him, but what he did on the basketball court can’t be overstated. For more sports-related content, click here to read about the best athletes to come from Colorado.
To compile this list of the greatest athletes to play basketball, 24/7 Tempo consulted basketball-related sources. These include NBA.com, ESPN, and Basketball Reference.
Michael Jordan
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 03: Owner of the Charlotte Hornets, Michael Jordan, watches on during their game against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 3, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
- Teams: Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards
Michael Jordan is one of the few athletes in history who’s name is recognized by most people around the world. His shoe brand, dominance, and star power are matched by only a few stars in general. Jordan played the bulk of his career with the Chicago Bulls, and ended it by playing a stint with the Washington Wizards. He won six championships, didn’t lose in the Finals once, and dominated the 1990s.
The reason people say Michael Jordan is the greatest player ever is because when he was at his peak, nobody else won a championship. The only reason the Houston Rockets won back-to-back titles in the mid-1990s is because Jordan was playing baseball. Not many athletes have had as much success in their sport like Jordan did.
Wilt Chamberlain
- Teams: Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers
The old saying goes that whenever a player does something unheard of, their accomplishment hasn’t taken place “since Wilt.” While Wilt Chamberlain only won two championships, his career averages prove he dominated the court whenever he played. During his 14-year career, Chamberlain averaged 30 points per game, 22 rebounds per game, and 4.5 assists per game.
These days, whenever a player scores 30 points and grabs 15 rebounds in a game, it’s talked about. Chamberlain averaged more than that in every game he played during his career. He’s the only person to score 100 points in a single NBA game in history. Chamberlain’s stats don’t get appreciated the way they should.
LeBron James
- Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers
It’s challenging to come into the league with the expectation of becoming the greatest player in the history of the sport. It’s even more impressive to meet the expectations set on you at the ripe age of 18. LeBron James has had one of the greatest careers in NBA history. He’s won four championships, he’s the all-time leading scorer in the history of the game, and he’s played at a consistent level for twenty straight years. There’s no getting around his greatness on the court.
However, the debate between him and Michael Jordan being the greatest player will go on forever. James has all the accolades and honors to state he is the greatest to ever do it. The reason it’s hard for some people to put James ahead is based on his record in the NBA Finals. The fact he didn’t dominate his decade like Jordan is another factor. Players like Steph Curry, Tim Duncan, and Kawhi Leonard have won titles during LeBron’s era. Don’t let this take away from the greatness of James, though. His career is starting to end, so fans should appreciate him while he’s still going.
Magic Johnson
- Teams: Los Angeles Lakers
One of the greatest “What ifs?” in sports history surrounds Magic Johnson. In 12 years, he won five titles, three finals MVPs, three regular season MVPs. On top of that, he was the face of the Showtime Lakers in the 1980s. He retired early when he contracted HIV. Johnson was on a clear track to potentially being the greatest player in league history.
Throughout his career, he averaged 19 points per game, 11 rebounds per game, and seven assists per game. These numbers prove how unselfish Johnson was as a player. His passing ability is still talked about in 2024 because of how flashy it was. Johnson has since become part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Commanders.
Kareem Abdul-Jabar
- Teams: Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers
Kareem Abdul-Jabar dominated the court like few players have. He’s one of the main reasons the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers were so great. Before that, Abdul-Jabar played for the Milwaukee Bucks, where he brought the franchise their first championship. During his career, he won six titles, two Finals MVPs, was an 11 time all defensive player, and won six regular season MVPs.
He averaged 24 points and 11 rebounds per game during his career. Abdul-Jabar also had one of the greatest college careers in history, winning three straight NCAA titles with UCLA. Not many players can boast the same stats and accolades Abdul-Jabar did for as long as he did during his career.
Bill Russell
- Teams: Boston Celtics
It’s difficult to find anyone in any sport who won championships at the level of Bill Russell. While he only played in the NBA for 13 seasons, he won 11 championships, five MVPs, and went to 12 all star games. Now, he has the NBA Finals MVP trophy named after him. Russell would average 15 points and 22 rebounds per game.
He was also a vocal leader during the Civil Rights Movement. That was a risky move for Russell, since he played during a time when African-Americans were thought of as less than human by racist people. Thankfully, Russell helped African-Americans in more ways than he could imagine. It’s fascinating to think of how many more titles Russell would have won if he kept playing.
Larry Bird
- Teams: Boston Celtics
The rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson dominated the 1980s in the NBA. It seemed like the two were on a crash course to meet in the Finals every year they played. Bird ended his career with three titles, two Finals MVPs, three straight regular season MVPs. He shot the ball like few ever have in the history of the NBA.
Bird averaged 24 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, and six assists per game. The way Bird let the game come to him while always making the right play is why different players wanted to team up with him. He’s one of the most iconic Boston Celtics players in history, which is saying something.
Tim Duncan
- Teams: San Antonio Spurs
There’s a reason why coaches preach mastering the fundamentals at such a young age to players. If players do, they can end up having a career like Tim Duncan. While growing up in the Caribbean, Duncan wanted to be a swimmer. However, his pool was destroyed by a hurricane, which forced him to take up basketball.
During his Hall of Fame run with the San Antonio Spurs, Duncan became known as a player who used the backboard to help his shots go in. He knew exactly where to go on the court to give himself the easiest shot. He never tried to be anything he wasn’t. Playing the game that way helped Duncan win five championships, three finals MVPs, two regular season MVPs, and be one of the most dominant all around players in history. It’s even more impressive to think about this knowing basketball wasn’t Duncan’s first passion.
Shaquille O’Neal
- Teams: Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns
Arguably the greatest center to ever play the game is Shaquille O’Neal. Don’t let his fun personality get in the way of your opinions. Whenever he stepped on the court, O’Neal was a force to be reckoned with. O’Neal won four NBA championships, three Finals MVPs, and one regular season MVP. He led the league in scoring twice. His career averages of 23 points per game and slightly under 11 rebounds show how dominant he truly was.
Another of the greatest “What ifs?” in sports revolves around him and Kobe Bryant. If they didn’t feud with each other and played their careers together in Los Angeles, they likely would’ve won more championships with the Lakers. Bryant proved he was a force for years to come, while O’Neal lasted until 2011. O’Neal now works as an analyst for TNT and can be seen in many different commercials on television.
Kobe Bryant
- Teams: Los Angeles Lakers
Not many players suit up their entire career for one team. Even fewer do it for 20 years. That’s exactly what Kobe Bryant did for the Los Angeles Lakers, though. During his career, he won five championships, two Finals MVPs, and one regular season MVP. He scored the second most amount of points in a single game with 81 against the Toronto Raptors.
When he retired, Bryant showed an interest in growing the women’s game. He had only daughters before his death, and he wanted to be sure they had a platform to play the game he loved so much. His untimely death sent shockwaves around the world. He was larger than life and it was hard for so many to comprehend his loss came so quickly and unexpected.
Oscar Robertson
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 18: NBA Legend Oscar Robertson is honored during the 2024 NBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 18, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
- Teams: Cincinnati Royals, Milwaukee Bucks
In 2024, it’s become common for players to average a triple-double throughout the course of a season, or at least be close to doing so. However, the first player to do so was Oscar Robertson in the 1961-62 season. After that, it would be more than 50 years before Russell Westbrook accomplished the feat with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Robertson was an all around offensive player who had control of every game.
During his career, he won one championship and one MVP. His career averages of 25 points per game, seven rebounds, and nine assists are impressive. It’s rare to find someone as in control as Robertson was for as long as he was. Basketball historians know how important Robertson’s talent was to the game of basketball during his career.
Hakeem Olajuwon
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 19: Hakeem Olajuwon waves to the crowd as the Houston Cougars played the Memphis Tigers at Fertitta Center on February 19, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
- Teams: Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors
The man who led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back titles during Michael Jordan’s absence from basketball was Hakeem Olajuwon. Considered by many to be the most dominant center in the history of the game, Olajuwon won the two titles, two Finals MVPs, and one regular season MVP.
He was a nine time all NBA defender. His ability to block shots close to the rim forced opponents to take tougher, lower percentage shots from the mid range. Olajuwon averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds per game during his Hall of Fame career. Whenever he got the ball down low, opponents knew he was going to score.
Jerry West
- Teams: Los Angeles Lakers
The man who’s been credited for being the NBA logo is Jerry West. Throughout his career, West represented the NBA (and himself) with class and dignity. It’s one of the main reasons the league didn’t change the logo to Michael Jordan or LeBron James. Even current players get annoyed whenever West talks about no longer wanting to be the league’s logo, since they know how important he was to the game.
During his career he won a title and Finals MVP. However, he’s the only player to lose an NBA Finals and still be given the MVP award of the series. That’s right – He wasn’t the MVP of the Finals his team won. His 27 points per game, five rebounds per game, and six assists per game helped him become legendary in his own right.
Kevin Garnett
- Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets
One of the greatest defenders in league history is Kevin Garnett. His trash-talking ability got under the skin of many players, getting them off their game. That helped Garnett whenever the players he was guarding had the ball. They would force shots that didn’t go in, even when there was a better play available.
During his career, Garnett won an NBA title, one MVP, and was an all NBA defender 12 times. He was part of one of the first modern “Big Threes” assembled by other players flocking to a new team. Him, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen helped bring the Boston Celtics back to relevancy during their only title run in the late 2000s.
Stephen Curry
- Teams: Golden State Warriors
The greatest player to shoot a basketball in history is Stephen Curry. His consistency from everywhere on the court makes him a threat to shoot whenever he crosses half-court. Fans feel like every shot he takes is going in. The most remarkable part about Curry is his size compared to most players. He has to shoot over players who are six inches taller than him, on average.
Curry has won four NBA titles, one Finals MVP, and two regular season MVPs. He’s still putting up insane numbers. The Golden State Warriors team is credited as being the most unselfish teams of this era, taking away the isolation game for the most part. Curry is still going strong and looking to add more titles to his belt.
Moses Malone
Moses Malone #4, Center for the Washington Bullets looks on during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers on 17th February 1987 at The Forum arena in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, United States. The Bullets won the game 114 - 99. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Allsport/Getty Images)
- Teams: Utah Stars, Spirits of St. Louis, Buffalo Braves, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs
One of the most powerful players in NBA history is Moses Malone. During his career, he became known as someone who used his body to get wherever he wanted on the court. That mentality also helped him become one of the best defenders in the game. Malone won a title, even during the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics dominance during his career.
He also was a three time MVP, Finals MVP, and two time all defender. His career averages of 20 points and 12 rebounds per game solidify him as one of the most consistent players night in and night out during his time in the NBA. Malone is often times forgotten about because of the era he played in, but he’s one of the best players ever.
Elgin Baylor
SANTA MONICA, CA - JUNE 25: Elgin Baylor attends the 2018 NBA Awards Show at Barker Hangar on June 25, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
- Teams: Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers
Arguably the greatest player to never win a championship is Elgin Baylor. Baylor spent his entire career with the Lakers, and was even on the team before they moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles. Baylor’s teams always came up against Bill Russell’s Boston Celtics during the 1960s, with the Celtics winning those matchups.
Despite this, Baylor’s career is still seen as a massive success. He was the Rookie of the Year, an 11 time All-Star, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Baylor averaged 27 points and 13 rebound per game for the duration of his career.
Julius Erving
- Teams: Virginia Squires, New York Nets, Philadelphia 76ers
Before the NBA and ABA merged with each other, there was a constant battle to see which league was better. Julius Erving was the poster for the ABA and helped bring the two leagues together and prove both had good athletes. During his ABA career, Erving won two ABA titles and was a five time All ABA player.
After moving to the NBA, Erving won an NBA title and was a seven time all NBA player. Erving became known for his flashy dunks and amazing leaping ability.
Isiah Thomas
- Teams: Detroit Pistons
Isiah Thomas helped lead the Detroit Pistons to their first two NBA titles in 1989 and 1990. That was the team that became known as the Bad Boys around the league. They had a reputation for being physical when they didn’t need to, getting into fights, and punishing teams with hard fouls.
Thomas was a big part of the team and won the 1990 Finals MVP award for his efforts. He is another player who’s sometimes looked over, because his success is sandwiched between the Celtics Lakers 1980s and Bulls 1990s. During his career, he averaged 19 points and nine assists per game.
Kevin Durant
- Teams: Seattle SuperSonics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns
During his career, Kevin Durant has been applauded for his ability to score. However, his only championship wins have come with teaming up with the Golden State Warriors. They were already champions by the time he got there. His ability to shoot and play selflessly has never been questioned. The last thing Durant must do is prove he can lead a team to a title as the clear number one option, which he wasn’t in Golden State.
He almost accomplished the goal with the Thunder before leaving Oklahoma City. He tried in Brooklyn and he’s currently attempting with Phoenix – but without success. Durant still needs to be recognized for his scoring ability and consistent play throughout his career. For more sports articles, click here to read about the biggest sports stars from Nevada.